The Foods I’ve Come to Love in the UK

So London isn’t the first city that comes to mind when many people think of major food destinations. But I’ll be damned if there isn’t a plethora of good options, many of which, I was surprised to learn about.

There are, however, several foods you need to try to fully get the best out of British cuisine. And British people, if I’ve left anything out, please forgive me!

Scotch Eggs

This beautiful calorie dense monster of a food was quite a surprise when I first bit in to it. By its looks, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but it did give a hearty surprise! A Scotch Egg is like a hard or soft boiled egg, wrapped in a breaded sausage patty. And people think Americans eat calorie dense foods!

Pork Pies

Apparently Melton Mowbray Pork Pies are renowned enough that they have earned “Protected Designation of Origin” like Champagne and Bordeaux! I won’t take the piss too much, however, as these little snacks are freaking delicious. The crusty outside makes way for a hearty and meaty inside that is a great on-the-go snack. And the fact that you can get these at Tesco for a pound adds to my waistline nicely.

Black Pudding

Now this, I believe, is quite regional. I haven’t had it much down in London, but when I make my way to the North like LIverpool and up to Scotland, it becomes more visible. Depending on where you get it, it can taste quite foul, or actually very good. My experiences with it have varied widely, and because of that, I’m shocked I haven’t had food poisoning yet. Apparently the primary ingredients are pig blood and oatmeal. It’s actually good if you force yourself not to think about it!

Beans for Breakfast

When I first moved to London, I had a full english every day (It was free at the hotel, don’t judge me). This introduced me to the concept of having beans along with my eggs, sausage, tomatos and mushrooms. Coming from the USA, I like my beans in burritos or in a dip. Not many other uses for them. But here….Here they serve another purpose. I’m not quite sure why they taste different, but they do. It seems so simple…Heinz beans in a can. Just throw them on a plate with eggs and sausage and you’re golden.

All in all, the UK has been quite an interesting gastronomical journey. It’s not really a place I would have considered the food to be much different in, however many small differences add up to be quite a change!